"And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure."
2 Corinthians 12:7
This is Paul writing to the Corinthians, referring to a weakness that God gave him and which God chose not to take away when asked. From that experience, Paul goes on to say that he learned to glory in infirmities (verse 9). I'm not sure I am there yet, but it's still a good reminder that God gives us everything for a reason, even our weaknesses. In some cases maybe it is meant to help us to be humble, as it sounds like it at least partially was with Paul. Other times maybe it is an obstacle that makes us stronger as we learn to overcome it. Perhaps these things teach us faith, and patience, and understanding... and many more options, and sometimes all of the above. Even though our thorns are difficult to endure, they are important, and they help us become better, more capable people.
Honestly, I know that hearing something is good for you when it is weighing you down and filling your life with anxiety is not often comforting. Like so many other things in life, sometimes it just takes time and distance to regain some perspective, and that's okay... *if* we can hold on enough to not give up. God includes the amazing things in our lives for a purpose as well. Sometimes as a rest break from the difficult things. Sometimes to help us see beyond our own needs, but always because he loves us. He knows our limits better than we do, and he will never leave us comfortless (John 14:18). Even if we burn all the bridges we can find, we can't burn that connection, and if we are willing to reach out to God for help to change out lives and in times of need, God will hear us, and help and comfort us.
Today, if we can, let's be like Paul and be thankful for the gift of thorns that teach us. And if we aren't ready to be thankful for thorns, then let's turn to God for help, and work on just being grateful for a Heavenly Father who can help us get through anything, and who will always be there for us if we are willing to go to him.
2 Corinthians 12:7
This is Paul writing to the Corinthians, referring to a weakness that God gave him and which God chose not to take away when asked. From that experience, Paul goes on to say that he learned to glory in infirmities (verse 9). I'm not sure I am there yet, but it's still a good reminder that God gives us everything for a reason, even our weaknesses. In some cases maybe it is meant to help us to be humble, as it sounds like it at least partially was with Paul. Other times maybe it is an obstacle that makes us stronger as we learn to overcome it. Perhaps these things teach us faith, and patience, and understanding... and many more options, and sometimes all of the above. Even though our thorns are difficult to endure, they are important, and they help us become better, more capable people.
Honestly, I know that hearing something is good for you when it is weighing you down and filling your life with anxiety is not often comforting. Like so many other things in life, sometimes it just takes time and distance to regain some perspective, and that's okay... *if* we can hold on enough to not give up. God includes the amazing things in our lives for a purpose as well. Sometimes as a rest break from the difficult things. Sometimes to help us see beyond our own needs, but always because he loves us. He knows our limits better than we do, and he will never leave us comfortless (John 14:18). Even if we burn all the bridges we can find, we can't burn that connection, and if we are willing to reach out to God for help to change out lives and in times of need, God will hear us, and help and comfort us.
Today, if we can, let's be like Paul and be thankful for the gift of thorns that teach us. And if we aren't ready to be thankful for thorns, then let's turn to God for help, and work on just being grateful for a Heavenly Father who can help us get through anything, and who will always be there for us if we are willing to go to him.
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